On April 28th we will host our 2nd Annual Chase the Rainbow Color Run/Walk, open to the entire community (rain date May 5th). This event is part of an on-going effort to revitalize the playground and outdoor space at Hopkins Hill which has been severely damaged by neighboring sand dunes. Funds raised from last year’s event went to new swings and over a dozen new trees planted with the help of the RI Tree Council. We are also underway with plans to hopefully to construct an outdoor classroom this spring.

It is great progress but we are far from our goal. We need a new playground structure. Our current playground, built over 15 years ago, was financed by the PTA. As much as we love the playground, we are aware that the structures are old. Current prices for certified playground structures for ages 5 to 11 start out around $60,000.

This year instead of asking students to sell items, collect money, or deliver goods, the PTA is asking for a cash donation. Our goal is to raise $8,000 which goes directly to support the school and programs for our students including:

Assembly programs such as Bubbleology, Dinoman, and RI Black Storytellers which cost on average $1000 each

Teacher Appreciation Week

Snacks for school-hosted events like art night, pjs and books, and campfire storytime

Contribute to the playground fund

If we achieve this goal the PTA will not have any other fundraisers, besides the Color Run, this year (the 5th grade committee will still be fundraising for the 5th graders).

Additionally we will be providing a prize for the class that raises the most money, and a prize for the first class with 100% participation in the un-fundraiser. Thank you in advance for your support!

Over the summer the PTA has continued to work on revitalizing the outdoor space at Hopkins Hill. We submitted a concept plan proposal to the superintendent, building & grounds; and presented to the school committee. (See the proposal here). Our vision for the outdoor space consists of 4 main areas:

a field

outdoor classroom

natural playscape

trees/shrubs

The concept plan has received support from the superintendent and the school committee. Additionally, in conjunction with the RI Tree Council, we are working on tree planting day for this fall. However, in order to move forward with the natural playscape portion of the revitalization, the school’s insurance carrier requires construction level plans. We are currently working with the superintendent to determine exactly what the insurance company needs so that we may proceed on that front.

We have also ordered new swings which should be installed soon!

Lastly, the playground committee is always looking for more volunteers, whether it be helping with the color run or working with the tree council. Please email me if you would like to help!